All footpaths, bridleways and common land in
Hertfordshire have been closed to the public until further notice.

It comes as more cases of foot-and-mouth disease are reported around the country.

Hertfordshire says it made the decision after consultation with the Government, in
order to help protect the county's farms.

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According to the authority's website, the prohibition will continue until further
notice and is enforceable under Section 73 of the Animal Health Act 1981 by a fine of up
to £5,000. The foot-and-mouth disease amendment order 2001
also came into force on March 2.

According to Ian McLachlan, of Hertfordshire's Trading Standards, closure notices have
been distributed to farmers and the county council is putting up notices on other routes.

Quoted on the authority's website Herts Direct
Mr McLachlan says they are asking everyone in Hertfordshire to behave responsibly and
avoid countryside areas.

We are relying on the co-operation and common sense of the public but we will
prosecute if necessary. Hertfordshire has many livestock sites and a great deal of
wildlife and the safest approach is to stay away from prohibited areas. It's difficult for
people to know whether they are near animals or not, so if in doubt  stay away.


The closure affects all public access on rights of way, other than tarmac routes,
together with public access to common land.

The authority says on its website that the order is a precautionary measure aimed at
minimising the risk of foot-and-mouth disease in the county.

Hertfordshire has a large wild deer population and like other wildlife, animals
will roam over large areas including the urban fringe. People are urged to respect the
closure even in areas that do not appear to be near or adjacent to farmland. Humans, dogs
and even vehicles can carry infection and it is essential that outbreaks be
contained, the authority says.

All council officers and vehicles have been stopped from entering farm premises, except
in an emergency.

The effect of the order is to prohibit public rights of access to all public footpaths
and bridleways shown on the definitive map for Hertfordshire which are not metalled and
large areas of common land.

The Ramblers'
Association has urged its members to stay out of the countryside during the
foot-and-mouth disease outbreak.

CNN.com Europe has a special
section with the latest news and background information on the foot-and-mouth
outbreak.

The Royal Veterinary College in Hawkshead lane has appealed
to walkers not to use footpaths across its land and adjoining land.

The Council for the Protection of Rural England
warns: Every effort needs to be made to eradicate foot and mouth disease and limit
the impact of the outbreak on the farming community. The public should co-operate fully
with necessary restrictions on access to the countryside which will help avoid spreading
the disease.